Camping cabins near Jordanville, New York provide access to rolling hills and pastoral landscape at elevations around 1,300 feet. The area sits in central New York's Mohawk Valley region, characterized by moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during peak camping season. Road access to Jordanville cabin rentals can be challenging in winter months, with some locations closing entirely from late October through April.
What to do
Swimming and beach activities: Glimmerglass State Park Campground offers a pristine lake for summer recreation. "The lake is pristine and wonderful to swim in. Nice beach. Also a place for showers and a bathroom and small place for food and extras things you might need for camping," notes Patti M. The park maintains a "huge beach area" according to Brian H., making it ideal for families with children.
Diamond mining adventures: Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA provides a unique geological experience where visitors can search for double-terminated quartz crystals. "Across the road from one of the Herkimer diamond mines, so it's convenient if that is your intended purpose," explains Seth K. Another camper adds, "The mines are wonderful also if you'd want to search for your own Herkimer diamonds (clear doubles terminated quartz)."
Tubing and river recreation: Summer visitors can enjoy water activities on West Canada Creek. "There is a beautiful river where some of the sites are located next to, where you can wade into, kayak, tube down, or just sit on the bank and watch the local wild life swim by," explains one reviewer. Another camper mentions the "lazy river flow with some faster spots, truly a perfect way to spend the days in the sun."
What campers like
Peaceful, rural settings: Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground offers wooded sites with natural surroundings. "Looking for adventure this is a place to find it. Along with staying at this peaceful wooded campground, one can 'mine' Herkimer Diamond quartz crystals adjacent to the campground via a bridge over the stream," shares Denise D. Another visitor mentioned, "We enjoyed our weekend here. Our site was next to the creek and relaxed to the quiet sound of water flowing by."
Proximity to Cooperstown attractions: Glimmerglass State Park Campground provides convenient access to area attractions. "With Cooperstown 15-20 minutes away no lack of things to do for adults and kids. Great restaurants also. No reason to ever get bored," writes Patti M. The location offers "great for families, the parking lots is huge, there's easy hiking on the grounds, and it's close to cooperstown- visit the baseball hall of fame!" according to Brian H.
Well-maintained facilities: Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness of cabin accommodations. "The bathrooms are impeccable, the grounds are groomed, well kept and clean and there are 2 pools, one for the little children and a larger one older people," notes one camper about Beaver Valley Campground. Another visitor at Glimmerglass describes "very nice bathrooms w shower and wash station. Electricity and water available at or near each campsite."
What you should know
Seasonal availability varies: Most cabin facilities have limited operational seasons. Cooperstown Shadow Brook Campground operates "from May 12 to Columbus Day weekend." One visitor notes, "Typical tight roads and sites, we booked 30/Water....but arrived to find only 50 available and barely any water. Both issues resolved within hours to their credit."
Water accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds feature water activities directly on property. "The lake is pristine and wonderful to swim in. Nice beach," writes one Glimmerglass visitor. Others require travel to reach swimming areas: "Only downside is there is not a hiking/walking path down to the lake from the campground," explains another camper.
Site characteristics vary significantly: Many campgrounds feature a mix of wooded and open sites. "Wooded area where RVs are and separate area where the cabins are. Great spot. Festive and well kept," notes Jennifer H. Another visitor mentions "the sites are a great size for accommodating two tents and have many people gather at meals."
Tips for camping with families
Baseball-themed activities: Cooperstown Beaver Valley Campground offers special amenities for youth baseball teams. "There is a large baseball field that could be rented and used," notes one visitor. Another adds, "Cute cabins, lots of great amenities, pools, corn hole, volleyball net, nicely kept baseball fields, store, areas for group picnics. You could have the whole team stay here in the cabins and bring RVs too. Only 10min or so to dreams park."
Swimming options for different ages: Pools and lakes provide water recreation for all ages. "There are 2 pools, one for the little children and a larger one older people. There is a large pond for fishing and paddling around in," explains a visitor. Another notes that "the beach, trail to historic house, boating, fishing, and Cooperstown nearby keep everyone in the group entertained."
Kid-friendly amenities: Many cabin sites feature playgrounds and organized activities. "Very beautiful campground with tons of planned activities for the kids. Outdoor pool and clean shower/bathrooms. Lots of grass and shade," writes Jeani B. about Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA. Another camper mentions "a children's playground, pool, little grocery store, volleyball area."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility information: Gilbert Lake State Park Campground has been improving RV accommodations. "They're finally adding a bunch of electric sites and have discontinued every other site in the deer run area. This makes the sites very large. There's 30 and 50 amp hookups," explains Secc P. Another camper adds, "The state has made many sites bigger over the last few years and is starting to add electricity to more sites."
Water and dump station details: RVers should note water access points at campgrounds. "You can fill your water tank at the dump station as there are no water hookups. There is plenty of places to get water to wash dishes or whatever you need," explains a Gilbert Lake visitor. Another mentions that "interior roads are gravel and some site pads are gravel while others are grass."
Electrical service variations: Amperage offerings differ between campgrounds. "There's 30 and 50 amp hookups," notes a camper at Gilbert Lake. At another location, a visitor mentions, "We booked 30/Water....but arrived to find only 50 available," highlighting the importance of confirming specific hookup availability when booking cabin camping near Jordanville.
